Friday, October 7, 2016

Buckeyes Preview 10.7.16: Indiana Hoosiers @ Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten), coming off of their most dominating performance of the season will host the Indian Hoosiers (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) this Saturday at The Shoe. While the Buckeyes are riding high off of a 58-0 curb stomping over Rutgers, Indiana is also feeling good coming out of a weekend where they knocked off Big Ten Champion Michigan State in overtime.

What the Buckeyes have been able to accomplish through four games has been nothing short of impressive. They have been dominant on both sides of the ball. The Ohio State defense only gave up 116 total yards to Rutgers last week and shut out the Scarlet Knights. The Silver Bullets lead the nation in scoring defense (9.3 pts/game), defensive pass efficiency and red-zone defense. The Buckeyes have yet to give up a rushing touchdown this season and are only surrendering 65 yards/game on the ground.

Offensively J.T. Barrett continues to keep his name firmly in the Heisman discussion. Barrett is coming off of a four touchdown pass performance and set the record for touchdown passes at Ohio State with 59. The most impressive part of that piece of history is that J.T. has done it in a little over two years as a starter.

“It’s just a great honor,” Barrett said when speaking about the touchdown pass record. "The tradition here at Ohio State is so rich. It's just in everything we do. Despite everything I've been through it feels surreal. That's crazy that I was just trying to do my part and do my best for the team and then broke the record. I'm truly grateful for it."

Indiana is coming off of their biggest win of the year after knocking off #17 Michigan State in overtime last week. The Hoosiers bring their Big Ten leading passing offense to Columbus led by junior quarterback Richard Lagow. Indiana also ranks second in total offense in the Big Ten, behind the Buckeyes. You better believe Urban Meyer is aware that Indiana is bringing their best team of late into The Shoe.

“For four years in a row it’s been swing as hard as you can,” Meyer said. “This is by far their best team.”